With a nod to its past, but with an eye to the future, a Pennsylvania continuing care retirement / life plan community recently celebrated the grand opening of a new facility designed to enhance resident wellness, recreation, dining, education and social engagement.
The Clubhouse at The Woods represents Cornwall, PA-based Cornwall Manor’s commitment to creating opportunities for residents to connect, thrive and enjoy an active lifestyle by serving as a central gathering space that encourages social interaction, lifelong learning and lifelong learning, according to Vicki L. Deitzler, vice president for advancement and operations.
Enhancing daily life
The idea for the space grew from the community’s desire to expand amenities and services as the community evolved, particularly with the growth of The Woods campus — The Apartments at The Woods independent living apartments are under development with a projected fall 2027 opening. The Woods residents previously were served by a smaller gathering space known as the Treehouse.
“The Clubhouse was envisioned as a larger, centralized destination that would provide enhanced wellness, dining, recreation and social opportunities for residents across both campuses,” Deitzler said.
From gathering spaces and recreational opportunities to dining, educational programming and wellness-focused activities, The Clubhouse supports both individual interests and community involvement for the 600 residents who live on the 220-acre campus, according to the provider. Features include multiple dining venues, a golf simulator, a theater, an auditorium with stage, a fitness center, a massage room, rehabilitation therapy space and a hydrotherapy unit.
The Clubhouse also will provide space for Cornwall Manor’s Artful Connections program, a multifaceted arts initiative taught by professional artists. Classes, workshops, demonstrations and creative experiences in a variety of disciplines will be offered to allow residents to explore new interests, develop skills, express creativity and build connections with others.
Combined with The Clubhouse’s wellness, dining and recreational amenities, Deitzler said, those opportunities support a “vibrant lifestyle” focused on lifelong learning, personal enrichment and community engagement.
Honoring the past
The Clubhouse is located on The Woods campus, adjacent to the Trailside Organic Farm that, in collaboration with the Rodale Institute, provides fresh, hyper local produce for its dining program. The Clubhouse also is in close proximity to the Lebanon Valley Rails-to-Trails, which connects the community’s Buckingham and The Woods campuses, allowing residents to walk, bike or take a shuttle between the two campuses, creating a seamless connection between community amenities and the campus’s wooded setting.
The physical space was designed to honor the community’s history, with spaces drawing inspiration from Cornwall’s ironmaking heritage through the Cornwall Iron Furnace, an intact charcoal cold-blast furnace in the area, Deitzler said. The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cornwall Manor leadership, the board of trustees, partners and donors.
The Clubhouse also houses several pieces of curated art, funded by a donor, inspired by the community’s natural setting. QR codes displayed by each piece allow visitors to read about the artist and how the pieces were created, providing an interactive experience.
Photographs throughout the Clubhouse also pay tribute to the community’s Buckingham Campus and its iron making heritage. Deitzer said the senior leadership team also was intentional in naming its spaces with a nod to its history — Bistro 1949 pays tribute to its founding year, along with Ironmaster’s Grill, Furnace Lounge, Coleman Auditorium and Refinery Fitness Center.
The Clubhouse is available to all residents as a community amenity, but residents can choose to purchase meals or specific services.